Library Board Hears Summer Read Program is Growing

Helen Matthes Library board members Monday heard that the Summer Read program continues to grow.

Library Director Amanda McKay said over 900 children are enrolled and said over half of those have collected their Week 1 rewards.

McKay also reported on fundraising efforts toward the new library home on 3rd Street.  The total is past the 13% mark.  McKay said there are several appointments scheduled with prospective donors and said "there is a good level of excitement."

The Library Board received their annual renewal notice on participation in the Illinois Heartland Library System.  McKay said for the $9,000 annual fee, Helen Matthes gets to tap into the catalogs of more than 400 other libraries.

McKay also reported that Helen Matthes will be one of 25 Illinois libraries to participate in an evaluation device sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  The tool will help libraries gauge how well they're doing in meeting patrons' demand for technology.